Funke Opeke resigns as MD/CEO of MainOne as Equinix completes takeover
Funke Opeke, the founder and first CEO of MainOne, has stepped down from her role as the company’s chief executive officer and managing director.
This announcement comes just two weeks after MainOne completed its post-acquisition integration with Equinix Inc., a global leader in digital infrastructure.
In 2022, Equinix finalized a $320 million acquisition of MainOne, a leading provider of data centre and connectivity solutions in West Africa.
Following the acquisition, Funke Opeke’s departure marks the next chapter in the company’s evolution under Equinix’s global strategy.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, Equinix confirmed that Wole Abu, a seasoned telecom industry leader, will succeed Funke Opeke as the new Managing Director for West Africa.
Abu, who brings over 20 years of experience in the Nigerian telecom sector, will now lead Equinix’s operations in Nigeria, Ghana, and Côte d’Ivoire. He will also spearhead efforts to expand Equinix’s digital infrastructure across the region.
Abu’s extensive background includes his most recent role as CEO for Nigeria and Africa Data Centres (ADC) at Liquid Intelligent Technologies. Equinix emphasized Abu’s dual focus on driving business growth and fostering societal change through technology.
His new role will see him championing initiatives that support education, sustainability, and community development—critical components of Equinix’s long-term commitment to the region’s socio-economic advancement.
“Wole is a seasoned professional with over two decades of experience in the Nigerian telecom industry,” Equinix said in its statement. “He joins Equinix with a proven track record of driving business success, as well as a deep passion for leveraging technology to promote societal transformation in Africa.”
As part of the transition, Funke Opeke will continue to contribute to Equinix as a strategic advisor for the West African region until March 2026. The company praised Opeke’s vision and leadership in building MainOne into a key player in Africa’s digital infrastructure sector.
In welcoming Abu to the role, Judith Gardiner, Vice President for Growth and Emerging Markets at Equinix, expressed confidence that his leadership would further strengthen the company’s position in the region.
“With his expertise, we will continue to support local businesses and multinational companies as they expand into Africa and beyond,” Gardiner said.
Abu himself shared his excitement about joining Equinix, emphasizing the importance of advancing digital infrastructure across Africa.
“This mission is crucial for bridging the digital divide and ensuring that more enterprises and individuals can participate in the global digital economy,” he said.
“I’m eager to contribute to Equinix’s transformative work and help build a more connected, accessible digital landscape across the continent.”
Abu’s appointment comes at a time of significant growth for Equinix in Africa. The company recently opened a new data centre in Johannesburg, furthering its commitment to expanding its footprint on the continent and helping businesses tap into Africa’s vast digital potential.
